Age- and sex-related differences in the anthropometry and neuromuscular fitness of competitive taekwondo athletes

Abstract

Anthropometry and neuromuscular fitness have been shown to relate with taekwondo (TKD) performance; however, little information is available on the variation of these fitness components by sex and age in athletes practicing this sport. The aim of the present study was to examine the anthropometry and neuromuscular fitness of TKD athletes by sex and age. A total of 393 athletes (7–48 years old), separated into six age groups (7–9, 10–11, 12–13, 14–17, 18–32, and 33+), were examined for anthropometry and performed a series of neuromuscular fitness tests (flexibility, agility, muscle power, and isometric strength). An age × sex interaction on body mass, body height, and body fat percentage (BF, p≤0.003, η2≥0.045), but not on body mass index (p=0.172, η2=0.020), was shown, where a larger increase in body mass and body height from 12–13 to 14–17 groups was observed in males than in females, and the sex difference in BF increased from 12–13 to 14–17 age group. An age × sex interaction on sit-and-reach (SAR) test, mean power output in the Bosco test, and Abalakov jump (p≤0.038, η2≥0.031) was observed with larger differences between 12–13 and 18–32 groups in males than in females. In SAR, it was remarkable that the male athletes achieved similar scores as female athletes in the 18–32 group. An age × sex group interaction on measures of isometric muscle strength (right and left handgrip, trunk, and legs) was also shown (p≤0.002, η2≥0.068), where larger differences in male than female athletes were observed between the 12–13 and 14–17 groups. From a practical perspective, coaches can use these findings as reference for the evaluation of their athletes. Because the anthropometric characteristics and neuromuscular fitness varied by sex (i.e., highest scores in males, except flexibility) and age (i.e., highest scores in the 18–32 age group) with unique sport-specific patterns in TKD athletes, these findings would be important for the development of specific training programs.

Anthropometric and Physiological Profile of Mixed Martial Art Athletes: A Brief Review

“…As a result, future studies might rely their evaluation or anaerobic threshold markers and complement VO 2 max values. In summary, MMA athletes were characterized by cardiorespiratory endurance higher than the general population, but lower than endurance athletes [54].…”

Age- and sex-related differences in body composition in healthy subjects aged 18 to 82 years

“…Although some previous studies of “healthy” people have examined and analyzed age- and sex-dependent changes in body composition, the overwhelming majority samples used to define the changes in body composition were restricted to obese populations, [ 11 ] or specific age ranges, such as older individuals, [ 12 ] athletes and children, [ 13 , 14 ] few have focused their attention on the “healthy” body composition of the general population across the adult age range. Nevertheless, health standards derived from one population with a specific sex—and age—may not be applicable to the general population due to differentials of body composition, just as standards from adults in one country may not be applicable in other countries.…”

Validity and Reliability of the 30-s Continuous Jump for Anaerobic Power and Capacity Assessment in Combat Sport

“…In the current study, the peak power was 5.41 ± 1.26 W⋅kg -1 while the mean power corresponded to 3.92 ± 0.95 W⋅kg -1 , which were lower than in kickboxing athletes, even in karateka’s that have the kick as a matters determinant during the fight. Nikolaidis et al (2016b) distinguished differences in anaerobic power measurements among different age groups, with the results being more powerful in the 18–32 age groups.…”

“…High-level kickboxing performance requires high neuromuscular activation of lower limbs ( Tabben et al, 2014 ; Nikolaidis et al, 2016b ). According to Nikolaidis et al (2016b) neuromuscular fitness including jumping ability is a main determinant of anaerobic fitness in Taekwondo athletes. Phosphagens thus act as energy-storage molecules and are especially useful during brief and short muscular activity such as actions in Karate sport.…”